Today, many arthritis sufferers are looking to alternative therapy to help treat their symptoms, through massage, herbal remedies, and dietary change. Arthritis can strike anyone of any age, in one form or another. There are several types of arthritis more than a hundred, all having similar symptoms inflammation of the joints, swelling, and stiffness of one or more joints resulting in limited movement.

Reflexology can be especially helpful and effective if you suffer from arthritis pain. A one-hour massage session, repeated over three weeks, is about the typical time frame to treat arthritis. In brief, the practice of reflexology is based on channels, or zones of the body, that can be accessed through directed massage of certain points on the feet. It is said a map of the body exists on both feet, one side mirroring the other side.

Alternative healer have prescribes magnet therapy for arthritis suffers. Magnet waves are said to stimulate joint fluids into a healing mode. Magnet wraps can be placed around aching joints to help relax them. In addition, try an herbal packs, you can make your own herbal pack by placing flaxseeds, chamomile, and lavender in a pillowcase. Then heat the herbal pack in your microwave. It smells great and helps relieve pain.

If chronic pain from arthritis is cutting down on your ability to move about, consider going to a Feldenkrais practitioner. Feldenkrais operates on the assumption that you can learn different movement patterns and break bad habits-such as relaying too heavily on one side of your body or on certain muscles that may be contributing to pain and recurring injuries. Feldenkrais therapists work with the patients to extend their range of motion and to loosen stiff joints by using unique tissue massage techniques and guided stretching exercises.

Lifestyle changes can make a difference in controlling arthritis symptoms. When arthritis makes your joints ache all over, a workout may be in order. Most practitioners suggest a regular exercise program; water exercise is especially good, since it does not put additional pressure on the joints. Exercise can reduce pain and slow down joint deterioration.

Some people with arthritis find that a vegetarian diet can reduce symptoms. You might also find it helpful to cut back on coffee, alcohol, chocolate, and dairy products, since these foods tend to foster inflammation. According to nutritionists, plants from the nightshade family, such as potatoes, eggplant, peppers and tomatoes, contain solanine, which are thought to contribute to joint pain problems. Another possible trigger is aspartame. The artificial sweetener.

Avoid consuming corn and peanut oil, which contain large quantities of arachidonic acid, a substance produced by the body during an inflammatory attack. Because of this, the oils may actually exacerbate arthritis symptoms. Instead, opt for flaxseed oil, which is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids.

Celery packs a surprisingly strong medicinal punch. Celery seed contains at least 12 compounds and is a great natural treatment for arthritis. You can take celery seed in extract form, available in health food stores, or you can eat the stalks themselves. Four stalks of celery a day should deliver healing benefits.

Green tea may both prevent the onset of arthritis and reduce the severity of its symptoms. The reason is that polyphenols-antioxidants found in green tea possess anti-inflammatory properties so starting the day with a cup of green tea can do a world of good.

Spice up your food with plenty of onions and garlic. Both these foods are high in sulfur. Which absorbs toxins that may be irritating joint tissues.

Sweet cherries, blueberries and blackberries are a wonderful alternative remedy for reducing swollen joint caused by arthritis. The secret ingredient is Flavonoinds. These brightly colored compounds found in berries increase fatty acids in your system, which can affect muscle tissue and lessen swelling.

Willow bark tea contains salicylates the ingredient in aspirin. A hot cup of willow bark can help stiffness of arthritis. To brew the tea, add 1 teaspoon of dried willow bark to a cup of boiled water. Steep for 5 minutes, and then strain before drinking. You can safely sip up to three cups a day. (Caution: if you are already taking aspirin or another inflammatory medicine, consult your doctor before taking willow bark.)

Living with arthritis can at times be very painful and frustrating; meditation along with breathing exercise can be very helpful in coping with your arthritis.